Cheer on women’s basketball, raise breast cancer awareness

Cheer on the UIC Flames women’s basketball team Feb. 4 and support a good cause.

The Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women will host a special Ladies Night on Breast Cancer Awareness at the Flames basketball game versus Oakland at the UIC Pavilion. Tickets are $4.

Free shuttle rides for those on the west side of campus will be available from the UI Hospital at 5:30 p.m., returning after the 7 p.m. game. The group will host a reception before the game, starting at 6 p.m.

The first 20 women who register for the event will receive a free T-shirt.

“I hope that people learn that it is OK to discuss the issue of breast cancer,” said Susan Powers, co-chair of community relations for the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women and purchasing officer in hospital materials management.

The event highlights the importance of early detection, said Tonya McGowan, associate athletic director. McGowan is a breast cancer survivor and credits early detection with her recovery after being diagnosed in 2006.

“Breast cancer affects so many women — and men, to a lesser degree,” she said.

“Anytime we can promote awareness and early detection is something that holds true to me.”

The Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women is an organization dedicated to support women on campus through scholarship and mentorship.

“Anytime you can show our student-athletes women on campus in leadership roles, it’s going to help propel them to succeed in whatever they choose to do with their academic careers,” McGowan said.

To register for the event or for more information about the committee, contact Powers at supowers@uic.edu or 312-996-5761.